The Oyo State Government has approved a series of sweeping economic, agricultural, security, health, and environmental reforms, including a multi-billion naira investment in cocoa production and strong backing for the call by South-West governors seeking the establishment of state police.
The decisions, endorsed during Tuesday’s Executive Council meeting, signal the Makinde administration’s renewed push toward economic diversification, rural development, and structural reforms across critical sectors.
The Council’s approvals, contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, highlight Oyo State’s strategy to take advantage of global cocoa supply disruptions while strengthening local institutions and positioning the state as a key player in Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape.
Oyo Moves to Reclaim Cocoa Leadership with ₦3bn Rejuvenation Project
A major highlight of the approvals is the launch of the Oyo State Cocoa Rejuvenation Project, valued at ₦3,030,292,472.
The initiative will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership involving the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and the globally renowned International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
According to the Information Commissioner, the state aims to regain its historical importance in cocoa production, long regarded as one of Oyo’s economic pillars.
Although Oyo currently ranks fourth among Nigeria’s 18 cocoa-producing states, Oyelade said the administration is acting strategically to expand output and leverage a growing gap in global supply.
He explained that major cocoa-producing countries such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire—responsible for more than 60 percent of global cocoa earnings—are battling production declines caused by aging farms, climate pressures, and disease outbreaks.
These disruptions have created an uncommon opportunity for emerging producers like Nigeria to boost exports and gain market share.
“Oyo State is being proactive by seizing the opportunity created by the production problems facing Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The goal is to fill the supply void and return cocoa to its place as a major economic driver in the state,” Oyelade stated.
The project, estimated at $2,075,547, is expected to be financed in phases over the next three years and will involve the rehabilitation of old plantations, distribution of improved seedlings, training for farmers, and establishment of sustainable value-chain infrastructure
South-West Governors’ Call for State Police Receives Oyo’s Endorsement
In another major decision, the Council expressed total support for the recent call by governors of the South-West for the establishment of state police, describing the demand as timely, realistic, and necessary for Nigeria’s internal security challenges.
According to the statement, the Council noted a worrying lack of enthusiasm among Nigerian youths to enlist in the military, a trend that further weakens security manpower at a time when criminal activities are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
The state police model, they argued, would ensure more localized, responsive, and community-driven policing.
The Executive Council commended Governor Seyi Makinde for implementing forward-thinking security measures, including the procurement of two surveillance aircraft for aerial monitoring of vulnerable areas across the state.
The investment, the Council said, reflects Makinde’s readiness to deploy technology-driven solutions to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
The Council also celebrated the transformation of Amotekun, which it described as the best staffed and equipped regional security network in the South-West.
It credited consistent funding and political will for the improved functionality and visibility of the corps across the 33 local government areas.
€50 Million Health Care Initiative Approved as Federal Government Clears Loan Request
The Executive Council also approved the implementation of the €50 million Oyo State Health Care Initiative, a facility obtained from the French Government to boost healthcare delivery and modernize medical infrastructure.
According to Oyelade, the loan—initiated by the state government three years ago—received final clearance from the Federal Ministry of Finance earlier this month and has now been approved by the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The funds will be channeled toward the rehabilitation and equipping of hospitals, upgrading diagnostic centres, expanding community health programmes, and driving improved access to quality healthcare across the state.
Health analysts say the investment is expected to expand the capacity of primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare institutions, reducing the burden on overstretched facilities while improving health outcomes for millions of residents.
Council Approves WASH Policy to Unlock Global Funding
The Council further approved the Oyo State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy, a key document that positions the state to access funding from multilateral and international partners.
By adopting the policy, Oyo will gain eligibility for financial assistance from the Federal Government, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other global donors working toward sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
Oyelade noted that the WASH policy will support the state’s commitment to eliminating open defecation, achieving universal access to safely managed sanitation, expanding clean water infrastructure, and integrating hygiene education into community health programmes
Climate Action and Business Reforms Also Get Green Light
In addition, the Council approved the establishment of the Oyo State Climate Action Plans and Policies, authorizing the engagement of a Green Energy Agency to lead implementation.
The project will be backed by a ₦270 million bank guarantee, ensuring sustainable financing and risk protection.
The Council also endorsed the 2026 Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan, a prerequisite for the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme.
To meet the required criteria, the Council approved ₦400 million for implementation, reaffirming the state’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business and fostering a more competitive economic environment.
With these far-reaching approvals, the Makinde administration continues to push ambitious reforms aimed at strengthening economic stability, expanding infrastructure, revitalizing agriculture, and modernizing critical sectors of governance.
