The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reshaping urban development through a coordinated and technology-driven framework.
Executive Adviser to the Governor on New Towns and Cities Development Authority, Mrs. Foluke Adebiyi, stated this on Tuesday in Ibadan while briefing journalists.
Adebiyi said the agency was established to streamline the expansion of towns and cities in line with the state government’s urbanization agenda, with the overall goal of transforming Oyo’s urban landscape.
She outlined the agency’s core mandate as designing and guiding development in Ibadan and other major towns using a scientifically informed blueprint that considers population growth, migration trends, economic changes and the influence of neighboring states.
“Our primary responsibility is to deliver smart, inclusive and resilient urban solutions to improve lives, unlock economic opportunities and raise the standard of living for our people,” she said.
Speaking on the ongoing Circular Road project, Adebiyi noted that the initiative was conceived to boost Ibadan’s economic development. She described the controversial corridor as a planned mixed-use zone that will accommodate residential, industrial, commercial and recreational hubs.
She added that the agency had engaged stakeholders and affected property owners on the best ways to address their concerns, stressing that community engagement had been consistent and would be intensified.
“Advocacy is not a one-off activity; it is a process. We have held several town hall meetings with affected communities, and we will continue to do so,” she said.
On compensation for affected property owners, Adebiyi explained that detailed assessments were still ongoing for the wider corridor, while payments had already been made for the first 32.2 kilometers along the right of way.
“Best practices are being applied, but government agencies must be allowed access to the field to determine accurate valuation,” she said.
She further clarified that the legally defined development corridor around the Circular Road covers 500 meters on both sides of the median—one kilometer in total. However, in densely developed areas, it has been reduced to 150 meters on each side to minimize displacement.
Adebiyi called for patience and cooperation from residents and stakeholders, assuring that the agency would continue its work across major towns in the state and maintain public engagement at every stage.
