The Executive Assistant on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning to the Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Ghaffar Bello (FCA), has stated that the strategic infrastructure projects and economic policies rolled out by the Seyi Makinde-led administration are aimed at transforming Oyo’s economy from a civil service-dependent structure to a diversified and industrial-driven one.
Speaking while hosting members of the Lagelu and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Secretariat in Ibadan, Bello emphasised that projects like the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport to international cargo status, the ongoing construction of the Circular Road, completion of the Ido-Eruwa Road, and investments in industrial parks and dry ports, will collectively boost economic activity and productivity in the state.
The financial expert added that the newly dualised Akobo–Olorunda Aba Road, which spans three local governments, has already improved intra-city mobility. Meanwhile, the Circular Road and its linkage to a six-lane expressway from Ojoo to the Dry Port are expected to facilitate trade and logistics before the end of the administration.
Highlighting the state’s financial challenges and workforce burden, Bello noted that Oyo State pays N14 billion monthly in salaries at the state level and N11 billion at the local government level, with a minimum wage of N80,000 per month.
He added that the state government is using salary payments to stimulate the local economy.
He reaffirmed that Governor Makinde’s administration is dedicated to involving professionals and relevant stakeholders, including ICAN, in the state’s annual budget process to improve transparency and strengthen collaboration.
Earlier, the pioneer chairman of the Lagelu ICAN District, Chief (Mrs) Omokemi Oladipo (FCA), who led the delegation, praised Alhaji Bello for his past support and presented the district’s progress report.
The fellow chartered accountant noted that the District had increased its membership from 75 to 250 in a short period.
She disclosed that the District had carried out numerous activities, including member training, establishing a cooperative society, and building partnerships with key stakeholders, such as Fresh FM and the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.
Other notable members of the visiting delegation included Mr. Patterson Ariemuduigho (FCA), Pa Lucas Omosebi (FCA), Pa A. A. Elujoba (FCA), Dr. Yemi Odebunmi (FCA), Mr. Mark Odang, Mrs. Julianah Adesina, Mrs. Oyeyemi Aremu, Miss Morolaoluwa Alonge, Alhaji Ismail Gbadamosi, Bukola Babatunde, Sulaiman Eyitayo, and Oluwakemi Adeleke.
The meeting highlighted the government’s intention to build a sustainable and industrialised economic base, while strengthening collaborations with professional bodies in pursuit of inclusive growth.
