Oyo State Government Approves ₦63.4 Billion For Government House Renovation To Mark 50th Anniversary.
The Oyo State Executive Council has approved a hefty ₦63.4 billion for a comprehensive renovation of the Government House in Ibadan, as part of celebrations to mark the state’s 50th anniversary in 2026. The announcement, delivered by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the state’s administrative hub.
The project aims to address the “embarrassing” and “unbefitting” state of the current Government House, as described by Oyelade. A key focus will be completing the Banquet Hall before the anniversary festivities next year. Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration views the renovation as a legacy project, designed to restore dignity to the seat of governance and leave a lasting impact for future administrations.
Oyelade noted that both Governor Makinde and his deputy, Bayo Lawal, have been residing in their private homes due to the dilapidated condition of the official residences. “This is about creating a befitting environment for governance and reflecting Oyo State’s progress as we celebrate 50 years,” he said during a briefing in Ibadan.
Beyond the renovation, the council approved ₦131.7 million for professional gardeners to maintain green areas around the Government House, highlighting a commitment to sustainability. The government also greenlit the 2025 Oyo State International Tourism Summit and a €2 million partnership with Semmaris, a Paris-based firm, to enhance the state’s agricultural sector.
As Oyo State prepares for its golden jubilee, the Government House renovation stands as a bold symbol of progress and pride, setting the stage for a memorable 50th anniversary celebration.
