Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has approved the reconstruction of the 23-kilometre road linking Okaka to Igbojaye and the Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) Film Village in Komu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.
The announcement, made on Tuesday during the Hijrah 1447 luncheon held at the Presidential Lodge in Ibadan, follows a commitment the governor made in April during the unveiling of the Film Village.
Governor Makinde said the project aligns with his administration’s focus on enhancing rural infrastructure and promoting tourism and cultural development.
“We have spent six years out of eight. The remaining two years, you need to continue to pray for us,” the governor said. “We may have done well for the past six years, but we want to finish strong in the next two years. Please keep reminding us of our promises.”
Makinde assured that his administration would not embark on any new major projects beyond September, stating that his priority is to complete ongoing projects and avoid abandoned ones.
“By the end of September, this government will not commit to any major project again,” he declared. “Whatever project we commit to, we will see them through. We do not want to leave any uncompleted or abandoned projects.”
He expressed gratitude to residents for their continued support, prayers and constructive criticism, which he said have helped Oyo State achieve peace, security and economic growth.
“Usually, when governors get to the halfway of their second term, people abuse them for maladministration. But I was at Bodija Market yesterday and they didn’t abuse us. They were rather praising and praying for us.”
Makinde also fulfilled his promise of providing buses to the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland and the Muslim Community, handing over the keys at the event.
“Please reach out to us on any promise you feel we are yet to fulfil,” he added.
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, in his remarks, thanked the governor for his consistent support for the Muslim community, adding that it has contributed to the state’s progress and development.
The guest lecturer at the event, Sheikh Dikrulahi Yaya, commended the governor’s infrastructural strides and leadership style, while urging Muslims to embody the spirit of Hijrah through good conduct.
Also speaking, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, represented by Sheikh Muyideen Alkubroh, called for more prayers for the governor.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, praised Makinde’s leadership and thanked him for his role in the process leading to his ascension to the throne.
The event was attended by top dignitaries including a former deputy governor of Oyo State, Hamid Gbadamosi; lawmakers Stanley Olajide and Shina Oyedeji; Chief Judge of Oyo State Justice Iyabo Yerima; and other senior government officials and religious leaders.
Governor Makinde first made the promise to reconstruct the road and provide power infrastructure for the KAP Film Village during the facility’s commissioning in April.
At the unveiling ceremony, he pledged that the state government would fund the road linking the film village to Okaka and ensure electricity access via a dedicated connection to the national grid and a solar-hybrid mini-grid.
He also announced a six-month completion timeline for the road and electricity projects, stating that the intervention would support the growth of the creative industry and boost tourism in Itesiwaju Local Government.
