The Oyo State Government is set to acquire two surveillance aircraft worth over N7.7 billion as part of its renewed efforts to enhance security within the state.
The approval was granted at Tuesday’s State Executive Council meeting, with Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirming the decision in a statement released on Wednesday.
The statement explained that the two DA 42 MNG model aircraft are for “Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations, and equipped with sophisticated surveillance gadgets capable of identifying 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,” the statement added.
The statement added that the aircraft would assist security agencies in tackling banditry, illegal mining, and kidnapping across the state’s vast landmass.
On the choice of fixed-wing aircraft over helicopters, the statement noted that the “DA 42 MNG models are less expensive to maintain, the spare parts are accessible and also as the Nigerian Air Force possesses a number of the model, which gives room for synergy.”
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The Oyo State Executive Council has also endorsed supplementary funds for key infrastructure projects, allocating over N83 billion for the ongoing Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road.
According to Wednesday’s statement by Commissioner Dotun Oyelade, the funds will cover construction of bridges, interchanges, and site clearing along the 110-kilometre stretch, particularly within Molarere, Odo-Oba, and around the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University.
The government reiterated its commitment to completing 72 kilometres of the road before Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure concludes.
Further approvals include N36.3 billion for asphalt upgrades on Secretariat Road, Trans Amusement–UI–Sango Road, and Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road; as well as N6.8 billion for reconstruction within the Mobil–Oluyole Industrial Estate road network.
To ensure operational stability of the Light-up Oyo Solar Project, the council earmarked N595 million for direct intervention and maintenance, with a monthly allocation of N190 million for continued upkeep.