The Oyo State Government on Wednesday approved ₦235 billion for the construction of the second lot of the Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road, covering 39 kilometres.
The approval was announced by the state Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, during the State Executive Council briefing held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Online reports that residents affected by the project have staged a series of peaceful protests in recent months across Ibadan and its environs, leading to traffic gridlock and disruptions.
The protesters are from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole and Egbeda local government areas.
Mogbonjubola said, “The Seyi Makinde-led administration is committed to ensuring the completion of the second phase of the circular road with the approval of a sum of ₦235 billion.
“The 2nd Lot of the Circular Road measuring 39 kilometres will be completed within the next 18 months before the completion of his administration,” he stated.
The commissioner also disclosed that the council approved the rehabilitation of inner roads in Ogbomosho at a cost of ₦55 billion.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Energy, Dahud Shangodoyin, said the council approved the installation of solar streetlights along the Orita-Aperin to Olorunsogo corridor for night-time illumination.
He added that backup energy projects, including solar and hybrid generators, were approved for Onipepeye and Odogbo Barracks at costs of ₦348 million and ₦231 million, respectively.
In separate briefings, the Commissioner for Health, Olorunserimi Ajetumobi, and the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, said the council also approved ₦389 million for the provision of beddings across the state’s 58 secondary healthcare facilities.
They further announced approval for the commencement of operations of the Ikara Farms Special Purpose Vehicle at Ilero in the Oke-Ogun area of the state by a private investor.
Akin-Funmilayo said the project is expected to generate about 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and significantly boost food production in the state.