Ibadan Circular Road to boost industries, Makinde says

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the Ibadan circular road undertaken by his administration will boost industries and employment opportunities.

Speaking on Monday when he met with protesters demanding a stop to the ongoing demolition of buildings on the road, at the Secretariat, Ibadan, the governor said his administration being a listening government, would continue to look out for the well-being of everyone.

“You will have to appoint representatives in these communities to sit down with the government and look for a way out because we are doing the circular road project to create employment opportunities for our people. We will have industries along the corridor,” Makinde said.

His declarations were contained in a release issued by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and made available to newsmen.

The governor used the opportunity to reiterate that his administration had not acquired any land on the corridor, adding that the former Governors Lam Adesina and Rashidi Ladoja set the 150-metre mark.

In contrast, he said the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi acquired and gazetted an additional 350 metres.

He, however, reassured the protesters that any building already erected within the 500-metre corridor, but outside the 150-metre corridor would be accommodated in the development.

Makinde also called on the residents to send representatives who would sit with the authorities to determine how they would be accommodated in the corridor development.

He then advised those who had not started their projects within the corridor to halt activities, saying they would be accommodated within the new arrangement.

“I have a solution. For now, there will not be any demolition and I have asked them to put a stop to whatever demolition they are doing… I promise you.

“Anyone who already has a building within the 150-metre to 500-metre, none of the houses that standing right there will be demolished, but there must be no further development on that corridor,” he said.

The governor appreciated the protesters for their peaceful conduct, as he promised that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people of Oyo State, and also keep its focus on developing the state sustainably.

Speaking on behalf of the affected residents, Prince Niyi Fasoye, Chief Olaniran Ere Asalatu and Mr Azeez Olaide thanked the governor for his favourable response and commended his developmental projects, especially the construction of Ibadan Circular Road which, they noted, had influenced development around the area.