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In a clear demonstration of effective grassroots governance and the dividends of financial autonomy at the local government level, the Oyo State Government on Friday commissioned a state-of-the-art office complex for the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, a project executed entirely from the council’s Internally Generated Revenue.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal, has declared that Egbeda Local Government Area has become a major strategic hub for the accelerated development of Oyo State, owing to the concentration of legacy projects currently ongoing within its corridor.
Barr. Lawal made the declaration on Friday while commissioning the newly constructed Executive Chairman’s Office Complex at the Egbeda Local Government Secretariat, Egbeda, Ibadan. The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards of honour to past chairmen of the council.
The commissioning ceremony, which attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from across the state, was described as a landmark achievement in grassroots governance.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor commended the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, for demonstrating visionary leadership and prudent financial management by executing the edifice solely from the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“To the glory of God Almighty, I am here today to commission the Chairman’s Quarters of Egbeda Local Government, constructed by Hon. Sikiru Sanda. This edifice was funded through the council’s IGR, and I have inspected it myself and I am impressed,” Lawal stated.
He noted that Egbeda Local Government is now a nodal point within Ibadan, encircled by transformative projects capable of redefining the economic fortunes of the council and Oyo State at large.
According to him, major developments such as the 110km Ibadan Circular Road, the Nigerian Air Force Base in Ajia, the Ajoda New Town Housing Estate, and the Egbe-Ona Ara Development Corridor have strategically positioned Egbeda at the centre of emerging development corridors, making it one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Seyi Makinde administration’s infrastructural master plan.
Barr. Lawal used the occasion to appeal to residents and property owners affected by the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project to see the development as a long-term investment in the future of Oyo State, assuring that all affected persons will be adequately compensated in line with the principle of overriding public interest.
He stressed that the state government is deliberately planning for the next 20 to 30 years to avoid the unplanned urban sprawl that characterized the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after its construction in 1977.
“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. Those whose houses were demolished will be compensated. They should not agitate. They must understand what the Oyo State Government is trying to achieve,” he said.
“I witnessed the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in 1977. The left side of the road toward Lagos was virgin land, but because it was not planned, it became a slum. We must not repeat that mistake. The Circular Road we are building will come with adequate planning, so that future generations will know that we had a clear vision for Oyo State,” the Deputy Governor added.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, described the newly commissioned office complex as a lasting legacy of his administration and a symbol of transparent and accountable leadership at the grassroots.
Hon. Sanda noted that the project was executed 100 percent through the council’s IGR without borrowing, a feat he said reflects his administration’s commitment to financial discipline and effective resource management.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for providing the enabling environment, financial autonomy, and leadership platform that allow local governments to translate their development visions into reality, describing him as a transformational leader.
The council boss assured residents that more developmental projects are underway and pledged to continue delivering impactful governance until the last day of his administration.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLA) of Egbeda Local Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Monsurat Ayo-Alaga, stated that the new office building is a testament to the council’s commitment to prudent financial management, accountability, and judicious use of public resources. She added that the decision to honour past chairmen was to acknowledge their immense contributions to the growth and development of the council.
She also appreciated Governor Makinde’s administration for its sustained commitment to grassroots development through massive interventions in education, health, water supply, infrastructure, and security.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Emmanuel Akintunde; former council chairman and former Chairman of TESCOM, Chief Akin Alamu; and the Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council and former Egbeda LG Chairman, Elder Wole Oyelese, all lauded Hon. Sanda for demonstrating good governance through people-oriented and impactful projects, urging other council chairmen to emulate his exemplary leadership style.
The event was attended by the Member representing Egbeda State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola; Oyo Central Senatorial Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Amb. Ajadi Oguntoyinbo; Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Ademola Ige; traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders, party stalwarts, and other dignitaries.
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