(DDM) – Oyo State Acting Governor Abdulraheem Lawal has assured residents that two of the state’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, the Ibadan international airport upgrade and the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, are close to completion.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Lawal made the announcement during an inspection tour of both projects, describing them as critical to Governor Seyi Makinde’s long-term economic expansion agenda.
According to him, the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan will soon begin accommodating full-scale takeoff and landing operations.
He revealed that experts are conducting final technical tests on the runway, lighting systems, and navigation equipment to ensure compliance with international aviation safety standards.
The acting governor stressed that once completed, the upgraded airport will open Oyo State to more domestic and international traffic, boosting trade, tourism, and investment.
He said the project will reduce pressure on Lagos airports and position Ibadan as a regional aviation hub in the Southwest.
On the circular road, Lawal disclosed that the construction of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road has entered its final stages.
He added that the road, which cuts across Ibadan’s strategic corridors, will ease congestion within the city while facilitating movement of goods and services across the state.
According to him, the project is expected to transform Ibadan’s transport network, creating new residential, commercial, and industrial opportunities along the route.
Lawal described both projects as “legacy investments” that align with Makinde’s “infrastructure-driven economic agenda.”
He noted that Governor Makinde had deliberately prioritized large-scale transport and urban renewal projects as a foundation for economic development.
Lawal also gave assurances that funding for the projects was guaranteed, emphasizing that contractors would be closely monitored to ensure quality and timely delivery.
“The governor has insisted that contractors maintain both speed and standards. These projects are not just about roads and airports; they are about the future of Oyo State’s economy,” Lawal said.
Economic analysts note that once operational, the Ibadan airport could attract cargo and passenger flights that would otherwise pass through Lagos.
This, they argue, would stimulate local businesses, enhance exports of agricultural produce, and make Ibadan more attractive to investors.
Similarly, the circular road is expected to ease notorious traffic congestion, saving commuters time and reducing the economic cost of delays in transportation.
Observers say the projects reflect a broader trend among Nigerian states investing heavily in infrastructure as a pathway to growth.
Residents of Ibadan have welcomed the progress, with many hopeful that the projects will not only improve mobility but also create jobs and opportunities.
The projects, once commissioned, are expected to significantly raise the profile of Ibadan, which remains one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing urban centers.
For now, all eyes are on the state government and contractors to deliver on timelines and promises, ensuring that Oyo residents reap the benefits of the massive investments.
The post Ibadan airport, circular road near completion — Acting Gov Lawal
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first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
