Makinde Sets Record Straight on Circular Road Project, Investment Prospects
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and people-centered development in the ongoing construction of the 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road.
The governor made this known during a visit to Ologuneru in Ido Local Government Area on Wednesday, November 26, where he engaged directly with residents affected by the project’s second phase.
Governor Makinde reminded the community that in 2024, his administration reached an agreement to reduce the previous government’s 500-metre corridor acquisition on each side of the road to 150 metres in already developed areas, while maintaining the original 500-metre width only in zones where development had not yet extended.
This policy, he said, made it possible for the government to complete nearly 32 kilometres of the first segment without unnecessary displacement of residents.
As construction progresses into the second 40-kilometre stretch, concerns and misconceptions have resurfaced.
The governor assured residents that he had listened carefully and understood their fears, but stressed that adherence to road construction standards was necessary to ensure safety, allow future expansion, and support orderly development.
To eliminate confusion and ensure transparency, Governor Makinde announced the following directives: Any marking outside the 150-metre limit in populated areas should be disregarded.
The Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority will serve as the sole interface between government and residents, no property will be demolished without prior compensation, and all reported cases of unfair compensation will be revisited and rectified.
According to the governor, the Circular Road is not just a transport infrastructure but a major development corridor that will shape Oyo State’s future. He said the corridor has been designed to accommodate light manufacturing, logistics hubs, warehousing complexes, commercial zones, residential housing estates, mixed-use districts, and essential utilities such as power, water, and fibre-optic infrastructure.
He extended an open invitation to investors, particularly in the areas of light industry, logistics, and housing, to partner with the state in transforming the first segment of the corridor, beginning from the Tech-U axis.
“Together, we can turn the Circular Road into a living, breathing economic spine that powers jobs, housing, and innovation across Oyo State,” he said.
In furtherance of the state’s economic expansion drive, Governor Makinde announced that Oyo State will host the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit (OYSIABS 2025) from December 3 to 4. The event will take place at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Oyo State Agribusiness Transformation Centre, Fasola.
The summit is expected to attract key stakeholders and foster partnerships that enhance the state’s agricultural value chain and overall economy.
