The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has welcomed the autonomy granted to the Oyo Passport Office, describing the development as a boost to access to government services.
The monarch made his position known through a delegation led by a member of the Oyo Mesi, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, during a congratulatory visit to the passport office.
The Oyo Passport Office previously operated as an annex of the Ibadan Passport Office. Under the new arrangement, passports processed at the facility will bear the name of the Oyo Passport Office.
Oba Owoade said the autonomy would bring biometric capture and passport documentation services closer to residents of Oyo and neighbouring communities.
He said the development would reduce travel time, transportation costs and overcrowding at passport centres in Ibadan and other locations.
The monarch also said the upgrade could boost commercial activities in Oyo as applicants from surrounding communities visit the town for passport processing, while creating direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The Assistant Controller of Immigration and Chief Passport Officer of the Oyo Passport Office, Oladejo Taiwo David, thanked the Alaafin for his support.
David urged residents to patronise the Oyo office instead of travelling to Ibadan or Ilorin for passport services, assuring that the facility would provide faster and more efficient processing.
The Alaafin’s delegation included his Director of Administration, Prince Adesola Sanda, and Islamic scholar, Alhaji Daud Igi Ogun.
Post comments (0)