President Bola Tinubu has officialized the reopening of the newly rehabilitated Premier Hotel located in Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasizing the hospitality sector’s potential to drive economic growth and regional integration. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President described the project as a critical landmark that highlights the commercial, cultural, and strategic prominence of the South-West region. He noted that the restoration of the iconic facility underscores his administration’s commitment to preserving national heritage while adapting major economic assets to modern realities.

The extensive modernization of the 62-year-old hospitality landmark was spearheaded by Odu’a Investment Company Limited, a conglomerate jointly owned by the six South-West states. Originally established in the 1960s under the industrialization vision of the old Western Region, the facility has been upgraded from an 87-room hotel into an ultra-modern 154-room five-star luxury destination. Stakeholders revealed that the upgraded facility on Mokola Hill will become fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2026, generating approximately 600 direct jobs and over 2,500 indirect employment opportunities to boost the local economy.

During the event, the President linked the structural transformation of the hotel to the broader economic reforms of his Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that rising investor confidence and stabilizing foreign reserves indicate a path toward sustainable growth. Beyond economy and tourism, the federal government utilized the platform to address regional security concerns, assuring residents of absolute dedication toward combating banditry and ensuring the safe return of abducted citizens from the Oriire local government area. Leaders across the South-West states praised the joint venture as a masterclass in regional cooperation and sustainable asset management.

The post Tinubu Commissions Remodelled Premier Hotel in Ibadan appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, nearly a month after their abduction.

Makinde made the revelation in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.

According to the governor, it has been 27 days since the students and teachers were kidnapped from their schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, leaving families and communities in anxiety and uncertainty.

The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on May 15, 2026.

Makinde acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on affected families, stating that while the government had repeatedly assured residents of ongoing rescue efforts, he understood the pain of waiting for the victims’ return.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to rescuing the abductees, stressing that security agencies were pursuing every credible lead.

“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor said.

Makinde revealed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are being held somewhere within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.

According to him, the park spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State, making rescue operations particularly challenging.

“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.

“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” he stated.

The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615.

He assured citizens that all credible information received would be acted upon promptly by relevant security agencies.

Makinde also warned against the spread of unverified reports concerning the abduction, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence while keeping the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their release continue.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the victims are safely reunited with their families and communities.

The post Makinde: Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren Still Held in Old Oyo National Park appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Oyo State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to property owners affected by the ongoing expansion and asphaltic reconstruction of the Ojoo–Akinyele Road in Ibadan.

The government said the exercise is part of efforts to ensure fairness and balance between infrastructure development and the rights of residents impacted by the project.

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed this during an interactive session with affected property owners and the compensation exercise.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the payment process was approved by the government to ensure that no resident is unfairly treated during development projects.

He said infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic growth agenda, adding that the road project will enhance commercial activities and improve connectivity.

“No development should bring negative consequences to the members of the public, as the development of infrastructure being experienced in the state is aimed at expanding the economy of the state and to make it a business hub among other states,” he said.

He added that the completed road project would boost agricultural business, open new investment opportunities, and support major economic infrastructure such as inland dry ports, railway stations, and the Circular Road project.

The statement further noted that Governor Seyi Makinde has directed the ministry to ensure prompt processing of documentation for all affected property owners.

A standing committee on verification and compensation has been established, headed by the Executive Assistant on Security to the Governor, retired CP Sunday Babatunde Odukoya.

According to the government, 65 property owners were identified in the first phase of the exercise, out of which 22 have already been verified and paid, while others are still undergoing verification.

The state government also warned against bribery, urging affected residents to report any official requesting gratification.

Some beneficiaries, including Kayode Adebayo and Alimot Tolulope, commended the government for the compensation exercise, describing it as unexpected and commendable.

Officials present at the exercise included the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hakim Audu, alongside other senior directors.

The post Oyo Government Pays Property Owners Over Road Expansion appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The has unveiled plans to roll out a new loan scheme aimed at empowering young people in agriculture and boosting food production.

The initiative, driven by the (OYSADA), is set to begin disbursement next week.

According to the agency’s Director-General, , the programme is designed to encourage youth participation in agribusiness and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Boosting agriculture and job creation

Speaking in , Akande said the scheme aligns with the state’s broader strategy to strengthen agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.

He noted that the programme will help young people access funding and practical opportunities in farming and agribusiness ventures.

Building on previous support programmes

The state government has previously disbursed significant support funds, including ₦1 billion in agricultural loans under its economic recovery initiatives.

Through collaborations with financial institutions, thousands of youths have already benefited from training, funding, and agribusiness support schemes.

Training and selection of beneficiaries

Akande revealed that over 60 youths are currently undergoing training under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture Programme.

Participants are being exposed to modern farming techniques and business practices to ensure long-term success.

Govt reaffirms commitment to food security

Governor has continued to prioritise agribusiness development as part of efforts to improve food security, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the state.

The initiative is expected to further expand opportunities for young agropreneurs across rural and urban communities.

The post Oyo Govt to Launch Loan Scheme for Youths in Agribusiness appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Oyo State Government has handed over 90 hectares of land to the Federal Government for the development of the Moniya Inland Dry Port in Ibadan. The handover took place on Friday at Moniya in Akinyele Local Government Area.

Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal presented the land documents to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola. The minister was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Michael Olufemi.

A Major Economic Boost

Lawal explained that the dry port will play a key role in boosting the state’s economy. According to him, the project will support agriculture, encourage industrial growth, and promote infrastructure development across Oyo State and Nigeria.

He added that the inland port will help decongest Lagos ports, making it easier and faster for businesses to clear goods. Lawal called on stakeholders to support the project to ensure timely completion.

Federal Government Commends Oyo State

Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the project as a strategic national investment. He stated that the dry port will bring import and export services closer to businesses in the South-West. This, he said, will create new jobs and improve logistics for traders and manufacturers.

Oyetola praised Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting the Federal Government’s development plan and working toward national economic growth.

Support From Nigerian Shippers’ Council

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutar Ukiyama, was represented by Ahmodu Yahyah. He thanked the Oyo State Government for its commitment to progress.

According to him, the dry port will boost internal revenue, support small and large businesses, and open up new economic opportunities. He noted that it will also improve the agriculture value chain and support smooth cargo movement once completed.

The post Oyo State Hands Over 90 Hectares to FG for Moniya Inland Dry Port Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticized the Federal Government’s handling of cost disclosures related to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, urging greater transparency in the execution of the multi-billion-naira infrastructure project.

In a viral video circulated on Friday, Makinde questioned the reluctance of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to provide a straightforward cost breakdown, particularly after Umahi’s contentious live exchange with Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni. Oseni had asked for a per-kilometer cost analysis of the project, prompting an irate response from the minister, who dismissed the question as “elementary” and “uninformed.”

“How can you be asking for cost per kilometer? The prices are different,” Umahi said during the interview. “Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I am a professor in this field.”

In response, Governor Makinde defended the journalist’s question and insisted that public officials owe Nigerians clarity on major spending decisions. “They asked how much the coastal road is, and the minister is dancing around. Then what is the average cost?” he said.

Makinde offered examples from Oyo State, noting that the Oyo-Iseyin road cost N9.99 billion for roughly 35 kilometers, about N238 million per kilometer while the 76-kilometre Iseyin-Ogbomoso road, including two bridges, cost about N500 million per kilometer.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway spans nine states and includes two northern spurs. The first phase, covering 47.47 kilometers, has been awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd. and will be constructed with concrete pavement.

Although the Federal Government argues that the project is critical to national development and regional connectivity, the lack of cost transparency has drawn criticism from stakeholders, who are demanding greater accountability in the use of public funds.

The post Makinde Criticises Umahi Over Lack of Transparency in Coastal Highway Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The appointment was confirmed in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, stating that it will take effect from April 1, 2025.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Governor Makinde urged the new appointee to carry out her duties with loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the development of the state.

The post Makinde Appoints New Executive Adviser for New Towns and Cities Development appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The governor disclosed this at a one-day stakeholders engagement organized by the Oyo state mobilization agency on Friday, stating that individuals who forcibly encroach on land or property belonging to others in the state will face the full wrath of the law.

The deputy governor, Adebayo Lawal, who represented the governor at the event, stated that the focus of the administration is not only on infrastructure but also on building and strengthening key institutions and developing policy frameworks to open up the state.

“We are not just focused on infrastructure but also on strengthening institutions. OYMASED is one such institution designed to address socio-economic challenges in Oyo state,” he said.

Governor Makinde emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the issues plaguing the real estate sector in the state and expressed willingness to collaborate with key stakeholders in ending land grabbing.

“We have also established the anti-land grabbing agency to curb the widespread phenomenon of land grabbing. People have the right to their land, and no one should forcibly occupy it. Such acts are now criminal under the anti-land grabbing law.

“Forceful occupation of land is no longer acceptable. In the past, conquering land was seen as a triumph, but today it is a crime. Anyone attempting this must be prepared to face the consequences.”

The post Land Grabbing Now a Criminal Offence in Oyo – Seyi Makinde appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has announced the suspension of his December 25th birthday celebrations in honour of the children who lost their lives during a tragic stampede in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Makinde made this announcement on Friday in Ibadan while receiving a delegation from the South-East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara.

The delegation visited to commiserate with the governor and the people of Oyo State over the tragic incident at the children’s carnival held at Islamic High School, Basorun, where 35 children reportedly lost their lives.

Describing the incident as painful, unfortunate, and preventable, Makinde expressed deep sorrow, stating he would remain indoors on his birthday as a mark of respect for the victims.

“I will not go out; no birthday celebration this year,” Makinde said.

He thanked the BOT chairman and other party leaders for being the first to pay him a condolence visit.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, we appreciate you for coming,” Makinde said.

Sen. Wabara, speaking on behalf of the South-East PDP delegation, conveyed their sympathies to the governor and the state.

“We, the people of South-East, feel the pain of the sudden death of the 35 children. We pray God to grant you and the people of the state, particularly the parents of the victims, the fortitude to bear the loss,” Wabara said.

The tragic incident has cast a somber mood over the festive season in Oyo State, as families and communities mourn the loss of young lives.

The post Makinde Suspends Birthday Celebration in Honour of Stampede Victims appeared first on Housing TV Africa.