Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved the sum of ₦7.76 billion for the procurement of two surveillance aircraft to strengthen security across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement following a State Executive Council meeting.
He said the aircraft will support the operations of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in combating banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining activities, particularly in the state’s vast hinterlands.
According to him, the aircraft—DA 42 MNG models—are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) planes equipped with advanced technology capable of identifying threats at both high and low altitudes.
“The preference for these aircraft over helicopters is based on their lower maintenance costs, availability of spare parts, and compatibility with the Nigerian Air Force’s fleet, enabling operational synergy,” Oyelade stated.
He added that although Oyo State enjoys relative peace compared to many others, the government is intensifying its security efforts due to pockets of criminal activities still being reported in some areas.
The commissioner also highlighted that Oyo State has the largest landmass in Southern Nigeria, spanning 28,454 square kilometres—larger than ten African countries.
He noted that Oyo’s Amotekun Corps is the most well-resourced among its counterparts in the Southwest, boasting 2,500 personnel, 181 patrol vehicles, and 450 motorcycles, with the lowest-paid officer earning ₦116,000 monthly.
Infrastructure Approvals
In addition to the aircraft procurement, the State Executive Council approved:
₦83.04 billion for the construction of interchanges, bridges, and clearing of the northeast and southwest segments of the 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, particularly from the Molete, Odo-Oba, and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University axis.
The Council assured that 72km of the road will be completed before the administration’s tenure ends in 2027.
₦2.33 billion for asphalt overlay on key roads including:
Secretariat Road
Trans Amusement to UI–Sango Road
Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road
₦6.8 billion for the reconstruction of the Mobil–Oluyole Industrial Estate Road Network.
₦595 million for the direct intervention in the operations and maintenance of the Light-Up Oyo Solar Project.
Additionally, ₦190 million has been approved for the monthly operations and maintenance of the Light-Up Oyo project to ensure consistent functionality.
