The Oyo State Executive Council has approved the procurement of two surveillance aircraft, valued at N7.76 billion.
This development was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, following the council’s meeting held on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the two DA 42 MNG model aircraft are designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations and are equipped with advanced surveillance technology capable of detecting targets from both high and low altitudes.
“The two aircraft already procured cost N7,763,360,000 and will effectively back up Amotekun and other security forces in the state to prevent and destroy bandits in their hideouts,” Oyelade said.
The aircraft are expected to aid security agencies in combating banditry, illegal mining, and kidnapping across the state’s extensive terrain.
On the decision to acquire fixed-wing aircraft rather than helicopters, Oyelade explained that the DA 42 MNG models are less expensive to maintain, have accessible spare parts, and align with the Nigerian Air Force’s existing fleet, enabling synergy in operations.
Beyond security, the council approved significant allocations for infrastructure development.
Key among them is the N83.04 billion earmarked for the completion of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, a 110-kilometre arterial road around Ibadan.
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The fund will cover the construction of bridges, interchanges, and the clearing of the North East and South West segments of the road, particularly around the Molarere, Odo-Oba, and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University axis.
The state government assured that 72 kilometres of the Circular Road would be delivered before the end of Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure.
The council also approved N36.35 billion for asphaltic improvement of the Secretariat Road, Trans Amusement–UI–Sango Road, and Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road.
Similarly, N6.80 billion was approved for the reconstruction of the Mobil–Oluyole Industrial Estate Road network and N595 million for the direct intervention in operations and maintenance of the Light-up Oyo Solar Project, with a monthly allocation of N190 million for ongoing maintenance.
