Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has applauded Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for transforming Ibadan into a more livable and organised city through people-centred development projects. He said the governor’s efforts have not only improved the quality of life for residents but have also positioned the state capital as a model for urban renewal and modern governance.
Obasanjo spoke in Ibadan during the inauguration of the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road, a project that boasts modern facilities such as waiting halls, ticketing spaces, eateries, restrooms, elevators, escalators, and parking areas. The new terminal is part of four major bus stations built by the state government to ease movement within the metropolis.
The former president described Governor Makinde’s achievements as a reflection of visionary leadership rooted in service and practicality. “Governor Makinde, you have done so well. You are making Ibadan more liveable and ensuring comfort for everyone in this great city. Ibadan is Nigeria’s third largest city by population and the largest in land area. To make life easier for its people, transportation must be efficient, and these terminals are a big step in that direction,” he said.
He praised the governor for building similar terminals at Ojoo, Challenge, and another at Iwo Road, saying the projects would not only ease transportation but also boost commerce and regional development. Obasanjo noted that Ibadan remains the symbolic capital of the Yoruba nation and the heartbeat of the old Western Region, making its progress vital to the entire Southwest.
Speaking further, the elder statesman commended Makinde’s humility and sense of purpose. “You resemble me in many ways,” he quipped. “You are an engineer, and now you are also doing political engineering. I came here today because I hold you in high esteem. When people tell me Makinde is doing well with infrastructure, I tell them, why not? He’s an engineer who knows how to fix things.”
Obasanjo urged the governor to remain focused despite criticisms, saying true leaders are often misunderstood at first. “Those attacking you today will praise you tomorrow. I was insulted too, but many of those same people now celebrate me. That is how leadership works,” he said. He also appealed to residents and users of the new terminal to maintain the facility and use it responsibly.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, said his administration built the four modern bus terminals to tackle transportation challenges and make movement across the city easier. He described the completion of the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal as proof of his administration’s commitment to delivering on promises.
According to him, the terminals at Challenge, Ojoo, New Ife Road, and Iwo Road are part of his vision to engineer a modern Oyo State where infrastructure development is driven by planning, not politics. “We set out to make Ibadan a city that works for everyone. Despite challenges like the pandemic and supply delays, we stayed focused, and today we’re celebrating results,” he said.
The governor recalled that the terminal site previously housed a mosque that had to be demolished to make way for the project. He noted that he kept his promise to rebuild a new and modern mosque in its place, demonstrating his commitment to fairness and respect for faith and community values.
On the ongoing 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road, which has stirred public debate, Makinde explained that the project represents more than just a road network—it is designed as the future economic backbone of Oyo State. He said it would open up opportunities for industries, logistics hubs, and residential developments that would shape the state’s growth for decades.
“With this project, we are not just building a highway. We are laying the foundation for Oyo’s future,” he said, assuring residents that legitimate property owners affected by the project would be duly engaged and compensated.
The governor reaffirmed his resolve to continue building infrastructure that empowers the people and transforms Oyo State into a hub of modern development.
