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The Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA), Mrs Mofoluke Adebiyi, has said that the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor and the Ilu-Tuntun Smart City project stand as a testament to the governor’s commitment to modern and inclusive urban development. Speaking at the 2025 World Cities Day celebration held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, Mrs Adebiyi said the Makinde-led administration is redefining the future of urban development in Oyo State through technology-driven and people-centred initiatives. According to her, the theme of this year’s World Cities Day, “People-Centred Smart Cities,” aligns perfectly with the direction of the state government’s development agenda. She added that the foundation of every successful city lies in the human element, noting that smart cities must balance innovation with inclusion and technology with social purpose. She cited the Ilu-Tuntun initiative, a smart city under development in Akinyele Local Government Area, and the 32-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road Corridor project, covering 2,600 hectares, as flagship examples of Makinde’s vision to build cities that can compete globally. “Both projects integrate GIS mapping, smart utility planning, and environmental analysis to ensure efficient and resilient growth. “Oyo State proves that smart cities are defined not by technology alone but by how technology serves people. “We leverage GIS, digital permitting, and spatial databases to enhance governance and ensure equitable land use.” Emphasising the governor’s broad vision for statewide urban renewal, Mrs Adebiyi explained that the Makinde administration’s transformation agenda is not limited to Ibadan but extends to all parts of Oyo State. “Governor Makinde’s urban transformation agenda goes beyond Ibadan. We are laying the foundation for smart, livable, and economically vibrant towns and cities throughout Oyo State. It is a state-wide effort to restructure our urban and semi-urban environments for future growth.” Mrs Adebiyi urged stakeholders, policymakers, investors, professionals, civil society, and community leaders to collaborate in creating cities that work for everyone. “Let us champion digital inclusion, sustainable housing, and people-first governance. When we succeed, Oyo State will stand as a beacon for modern, livable, and people-centered smart cities in Africa.” Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Mr Tilewa Folami, described Oyo as the most peaceful state to live in Nigeria, saying the administration is committed to developing urban centres that will attract global attention. He stated that people would soon be visiting Oyo State to experience its emerging modern cities just as they visit other developed cities globally. Bringing Seyi Makinde under a new focus through new book – Tribune Online “We will continue to move our cities forward. We will adopt technology to enhance the quality of lives of the people. “As universities are graduating our children, we don’t want them to ‘Japa’ anymore.” He added that, “There is no where like home and there will be no where like home,” stressing that, “Oyo State is the the most peaceful state to live in Nigeria or probably Africa.” The event, which was the first of its kind in Oyo State, was hosted by OYNTCDA and brought together government officials, academics, investors, and other stakeholders. It also featured a panel session where scholars from leading institutions and industry experts shared insights on sustainable urban development. Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Akin-Funmilayo Williams; Urban Development Consultant, Arc. Lola Oyelekan; Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Urban Planning, Hon. Olakunle Shete (CFR); Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye; former Head of Service of Oyo State, Mrs Hamdalat Ololade Agboola; Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Hon. Temitope Glorious; and Special Adviser on Project Performance Monitoring, Hon. Oluwaseun, among others. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
