In a decisive move to avert the perennial threat of flooding during the rainy season, the Oyo State Government has announced the dredging of 11 major rivers across the state. This intervention, among several other infrastructure projects, was revealed following the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Wednesday. He explained that the proactive step became necessary in light of recent forecasts by both the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Oyo among states at high risk of severe flooding in 2025.
Oyelade noted that the dredging activities are currently underway in flood-prone areas such as Iseyin, Oyo, Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Igbo Ora, and other vulnerable communities, as part of a wider strategy to safeguard lives and property from climate-related disasters.
He added that in furtherance of the state’s environmental agenda, the Ministry of Environment has received a directive to procure additional compactor trucks. This is aimed at strengthening the efficiency of waste collection services, particularly in Ibadan and other urban centres, to prevent refuse-induced drainage blockages that often exacerbate flooding.
In line with emergency response preparedness, the Council also approved the acquisition of modern firefighting equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency. The equipment, which includes auxiliary and specialised gear, is intended to improve fire and rescue operations while also enhancing the safety of personnel in the line of duty.
According to Oyelade, the combined approvals for dredging, waste management, and firefighting equipment amounted to a total expenditure of N690 million.
Beyond environmental safety, the government also approved critical infrastructure upgrades, including the procurement and installation of a new transformer and power generator at the Omololu Olunloyo Monumental Park. Additionally, a major energy storage upgrade was sanctioned for the dualised Ladoke Akintola Airport Road. Oyelade clarified that the recent temporary closure of the Ibadan Airport was due to an ongoing upgrade intended to raise the facility to international standards, featuring aesthetic improvements, modern signage, advertising displays, and safety enhancements. This phase of the project is projected to cost N224.78 million.
Another key project approved by the Executive Council is the installation of streetlights along the first phase of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, a 110-kilometre stretch designed to decongest traffic within the Ibadan metropolis. Oyelade explained that the road would allow travellers from outside the city to bypass Ibadan’s core, significantly easing movement while enhancing economic activity.
The public lighting installation, which forms part of the administration’s broader goal to boost socio-economic development and promote a vibrant night-time economy in the state, is expected to cost N15.11 billion.
Also included in the Council’s resolutions is the rehabilitation of several inner-city roads, notably the Bolajoko Estate Road Network, General Gas Area, Bishop’s Court Road, Jejelaye, Peace Roads, and Anifalaje Area. These upgrades will be executed at a cost of N1.99 billion and are intended to improve connectivity and the overall quality of life for residents.
With these extensive interventions spanning flood control, transportation, emergency response, and energy infrastructure, the Oyo State Government continues to position itself as a model of responsive and strategic governance aimed at sustainable development and citizen welfare.
