Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that he may leave the redevelopment of Agbowo Shopping Complex unfinished before the end of his administration, citing the ₦21 billion required to complete the project.
The governor made this known during a media chat on Fresh FM, where he discussed ongoing development projects, funding challenges and plans to ensure continuity in governance beyond 2027.
“Agbowo is there and I may not complete it before I leave because I don’t have ₦21 billion now to complete it,” Makinde said.
He expressed optimism that a more stable economic environment would make it easier to complete major projects, adding that creating favourable economic conditions would be a priority if he eventually became president.
Speaking on his background before entering politics, Makinde said he established his own company at the age of 29 and had been paying salaries since then. He noted that his early business experience and investments in education had shaped his approach to financial management and public service.
The governor also revealed that he spent more money on his unsuccessful 2015 governorship campaign than he did in 2019, when he eventually won the election. He had previously contested for the Senate in 2007 and 2011.
On political appointments, Makinde disclosed that he had recommended former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, for a ministerial position, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Adebayo Adelabu instead. He expressed confidence in Adekanmbi’s ability to perform in public office, citing his professional experience as a chartered accountant.
Makinde further explained that he assigned Adekanmbi to help address challenges surrounding the upgrade of Ibadan Airport after the Federal Government declined to fund the project. According to the governor, the airport upgrade received federal approval without financial commitment from the Federal Government, with commissioning expected before the end of 2026.
The governor’s remarks highlight the financial challenges facing some major infrastructure projects in Oyo State, while raising questions about the future of the Agbowo Shopping Complex redevelopment and the administration’s plans to ensure that ongoing projects receive attention beyond 2027.
