The Oyo State Government has announced that the two surveillance aircraft purchased to strengthen security operations across the state are expected to arrive before the end of July after delays caused by the manufacturing and assembly process in China.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, made this known in a statement issued after the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.
According to Oyelade, the state had initially expected to receive the aircraft earlier. However, the manufacturing company in China required additional time to complete the assembly of the aircraft components before delivery.
He explained that the government had previously announced that the aircraft would arrive at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Ikeja, Lagos, where final assembly and preparations would be completed before they become operational.
Governor Seyi Makinde, while addressing the council, noted that he had hoped the aircraft would have been operational during the recent rescue mission involving abducted schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area. He explained that the government followed the professional and technical recommendations of the manufacturers before deploying the aircraft.
The two aircraft, which cost a total of ₦7.763 billion, are DA 42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. They are expected to strengthen aerial surveillance and improve security monitoring, particularly along Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin.
During the meeting, the Executive Council also approved an interest-free intervention loan of ₦3 billion for an indigenous cassava processing factory in Ado-Awaye. The initiative is expected to increase agricultural production, create employment opportunities, and benefit more than 25,000 farmers.
In addition, the council approved further financial support for Oyo Sugar and Derivatives Industries Limited to accelerate the commencement of commercial operations at the sugar processing factory in Iseyin.
The government had previously invested ₦850 million as equity toward the revitalisation of the project. Following progress made by the investors and the state’s continued commitment, the council approved an additional ₦2.462 billion as government equity investment.
The Executive Council also approved the construction of the 4-kilometre Idi-Igba/Akinmorin Road in Ilora at a cost of ₦2.901 billion. The project is expected to improve transportation and stimulate economic activities within the area.
To further enhance aviation infrastructure, the council approved an additional ₦26.768 billion for the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport. The funding will cover additional engineering works, including the construction of a 140-metre runway strip, runway safety areas, blast pads, extra pipe covers, and other supporting infrastructure.
The council also approved the implementation of a major healthcare development programme funded through a €55 million French loan backed by the Federal Government.
The healthcare initiative will provide modular hospitals and medical facilities across the state, including a cardiac centre, emergency and maternity centres, intensive care units, operating theatres, 39 ambulances, 10 dental centres, and 200 primary healthcare centres.
In the area of sports development, the Executive Council approved a ₦200 million take-off grant for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to support the Ibadan-based football club’s participation in upcoming continental competitions.
The approvals reflect the state’s continued investment in security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, industrial development, and sports as part of its broader development agenda.
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