The Oyo State government has announced plans to introduce a digital street and house numbering system across the state as part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omititun 2.0 sustainable development agenda.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, revealed the initiative on Wednesday during a meeting with Smart City Development Konsult Limited in Ibadan. He said the project aims to improve property identification, urban planning, and emergency response efficiency.
Why It Matters
– Emergency Services: The digital address system will help firefighters, ambulances, and security agencies locate buildings faster during crises.
– Urban Development: Proper house numbering will enhance city planning, tax administration, and service delivery.
– Governor’s Promise: The project fulfills Makinde’s pledge under his Omititun 2.0 roadmap, which prioritizes infrastructure and smart city initiatives.
Akin-Funmilayo explained that without proper addressing, emergency responses are often delayed, leading to avoidable loss of lives and property. “If firefighters or ambulances can’t find a building quickly, the consequences can be tragic,” he said.
Next Steps
The proposal is currently in the preliminary stage and will soon be presented to the State Executive Council for approval. The commissioner assured residents that the government is committed to implementing the system before the end of Makinde’s administration.
The move aligns with global smart city trends, where digital addressing improves governance, security, and economic activities. If successful, Oyo could become a model for other Nigerian states struggling with chaotic urban planning.
