Oyo deputy governor lauds road network for urbanisation plan at REDAN Conference
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, has emphasized that the state’s ongoing road network expansion is a critical foundation for achieving its urbanization goals.
He made this assertion during the inaugural conference of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Oyo State Chapter, held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Expressing his satisfaction with the conference and its partnership with the state government, Barr. Lawal stated: “I am happy with this real estate practitioners’ conference and the partnership with the Oyo State government because this will ultimately transform the infrastructural landscape into an urbanized setting. This transformation will not be limited to Ibadan but will extend to every zone within Oyo State.”
He proposed renaming the initiative from “road to urbanization” to “road to hinterland urbanization,” noting that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has already completed 85% of the state’s road network.
He remarked: “This partnership will unify our success and unveil an urbanized Oyo State while preserving its cultural values. Through synergy, we aim to make Oyo State one of the neatest and most coordinated states in terms of structures and architectural masterpieces.”
Barr. Lawal also highlighted the evolving nature of the real estate sector in the state, transitioning from a limited to a more globalized perspective. He expressed optimism that the collaboration between the government and REDAN would further elevate the sector to international standards.
In his keynote address, the chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Ademola Omotosho, emphasized the importance of collaboration to align the real estate sector with the state’s development blueprint under Governor Seyi Makinde.
“Collaboration is key. It will help us create a globalized and emulative real estate sector in line with the state’s master plan for accelerated development,” he said.
Mrs. M.O. Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary representing the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, called for a 100% commitment from all parties involved in the partnership.
She urged stakeholders, including town planners, architects, developers, and government teams, to unite in creating a smarter and more urbanized Oyo State.
“We must bring our expertise and ideas together to create a dynamic force that will actualize the road to urbanization project,” she noted.
The deputy governor expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the conference, describing it as a landmark event for the real estate sector in Oyo State.
He commended the REDAN Oyo state chapter chairman, Dr. Muibi Kehinde Hammed, and his team for their bold initiative.
The conference drew notable dignitaries, including Commissioner for Information Hon. Dotun Sanusi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Urban Development Hon. Akinsete Olakunle, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Hon. Seun Fakorede, and Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Wole Akinleye. Other participants included the National REDAN President Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, the national vice president (Southwest), and representatives from Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, and Ekiti States.
The maiden edition of the conference, held in collaboration with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Akinsete, marked a milestone for real estate development in Oyo State.
It underscored the state government’s commitment to fostering partnerships that will drive sustainable urban growth and development.
