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A City in Motion
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Ogbomoso, a historic and strategic city in Oyo State, Nigeria, continues to make bold strides in infrastructure, community development, and security reforms as of June 2025. From the long-awaited dualization of the Oyo–Ogbomoso highway to grassroots-led poverty relief programs and visionary leadership from the palace, Ogbomoso is rapidly positioning itself as a development beacon in South-West Nigeria.
1. Major Infrastructure Milestones: Oyo–Ogbomoso Road Revamp
The dualization of the Oyo–Ogbomoso Road—a crucial segment of the Lagos–Ilorin corridor—has re-emerged as a top federal priority.
- Contract Update: In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu approved ₦147.9 billion for the completion of the project after terminating RCC's contract due to prolonged delays. Messrs JRB Construction Co. Ltd has since taken over.
- Impact: The road is vital for easing travel, reducing traffic-related deaths, and enhancing trade between Ogbomoso, the Oyo capital Ibadan, and the North.
- Local Government Support: Governor Seyi Makinde has also confirmed upcoming rehabilitation works for inner-city roads across Ogbomoso, complementing the federal project and strengthening local infrastructure.
2. Strengthening Security: State & Traditional Collaboration
Security remains central to Ogbomoso's development narrative.
- AIG’s Visit to Soun: The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Zone 11), Fred Ekokotu, visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, reaffirming federal law enforcement’s commitment to making Ogbomoso crime-free and investor-friendly.
- Community Policing: The Soun advocated enhancing neighborhood watch schemes and collaborating with hunter and vigilante groups to bolster grassroots security.
- Oyo State’s Investments: In his June 2025 address, Governor Makinde revealed the addition of 480 Forest Rangers to the Amotekun Corps (now totaling 2,500), and the provision of 50+ fully equipped vehicles for federal security agencies. Plans to acquire two surveillance aircraft for Oyo State were also announced—an unprecedented step in state policing.
3. Visionary Leadership: Soun’s 25-Year Development Plan
The newly installed Soun of Ogbomosoland is pursuing an ambitious, community-driven 25-year development blueprint.
- Strategic Pillars: The plan spans infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology, tourism, and youth empowerment.
- Public Engagement: Town hall meetings are ongoing, with active consultation among residents, professionals, and the diaspora to co-develop sustainable growth initiatives.
- Legacy Building: The monarch envisions an Ogbomoso that is modern, secure, and economically robust—leveraging its university town status and cultural heritage.
4. Economic Growth & Community Support
Ogbomoso is actively benefiting from broader economic strategies across Oyo State.
- Agribusiness & Investment: The Eruwa Agribusiness Hub and Oyo State’s recent admission into the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) signal expanded agro-commercial prospects for towns like Ogbomoso.
- Airport Connectivity: The October 2025 upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (Ibadan) is set to boost accessibility and trade across the Oyo North region.
- LAUTECH Teaching Hospital: Long seen as a referral center, the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso is expected to undergo major rehabilitation soon, addressing the pressing need for advanced healthcare services in the zone.
5. Community Initiatives: Addressing Poverty and Hunger
- “Jesus Market” Initiative: A charitable food project run by True Worshippers Church continues to provide essential food items to residents at heavily subsidized rates. Widows, elderly, and people with disabilities benefit free of charge.
- Relevance: Amid Nigeria’s record inflation (food inflation at over 40%), this grassroots initiative has become a model of social intervention amid limited government subsidies.
6. Chieftaincy Reforms: Balancing Tradition and Governance
- Oyo Chieftaincy Bill Debate: Discussions around the rotation of the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas have sparked regional interest. The Ogbomoso-based socio-cultural group, Ogbomoso Torch Bearers, has urged royal houses to maintain unity and civility.
- Call for Peace: The group praised Governor Makinde’s approach to chieftaincy reforms and called on stakeholders to prioritize the collective progress of Ogbomoso over political rivalry.
Conclusion: A City Poised for Inclusive Growth
From federal projects and security reforms to royal vision and grassroots compassion, Ogbomoso is clearly on an upward path. The synergy between state government priorities, traditional leadership, and local initiatives reflects a maturing civic ecosystem.
Challenges remain, particularly in job creation, rural healthcare, and the need for increased private-sector participation. However, with strategic planning and continued community engagement, Ogbomoso is becoming a model for sustainable urban transformation in Nigeria’s southwest.
SOURCE: Oyo State Government Official Channels, LAUTECH Media, and Ogbomoso Insight
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